We review the best jigsaws available in the UK in 2026. Cordless and corded options from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch — tested for cutting speed, accuracy, vibration, and blade deflection.
A jigsaw is one of the most versatile cutting tools you can own. It cuts curves that no circular saw can manage, makes plunge cuts in worktops and panels, handles wood, metal, and plastic with the right blade, and fits into spaces where larger saws can’t reach. For tradespeople, it’s the go-to tool for cutting kitchen worktop sink openings, trimming laminate flooring, notching around pipes, shaping plywood, and cutting curves in timber and sheet materials.
The jigsaw market has shifted heavily toward cordless in recent years, and for good reason — modern 18V brushless jigsaws now match or exceed the cutting performance of corded models while offering the obvious convenience of no cable. This guide focuses on the best options available from UK retailers in 2026, with an emphasis on the features that actually matter for trade work: cutting accuracy, blade deflection control, vibration damping, and orbital action quality.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Jigsaw | Best For | Max SPM | Wood Cut Depth | Price Range |
| Makita DJV182Z | Best overall cordless | 3,500 | 135mm | £130–£160 (bare) |
| DeWalt DCS335N | Best for blade control | 3,200 | 135mm | £140–£170 (bare) |
| Milwaukee M18 FJS | Best for raw cutting speed | 3,500 | 135mm | £130–£160 (bare) |
| Bosch GST 18V-155 BC | Best for precision work | 3,500 | 155mm | £160–£200 (bare) |
| Makita 4350FCT | Best corded option | 2,800 | 135mm | £130–£170 |
Top Handle vs Barrel Grip — Which Style?
Jigsaws come in two grip styles, and which one suits you depends on how and where you use the tool.
Top handle (D-handle): The traditional design with a trigger in the handle above the motor. This is the most common style in the UK and the one most tradespeople are used to. It’s comfortable for general cutting, easy to control with one hand, and straightforward to operate. Most models on this list are available in top handle versions.
Barrel grip (body grip): The handle wraps around the motor body, placing your hand lower and closer to the workpiece. This gives you more direct control over the cut and reduces the tendency to tip the saw, which improves accuracy on curves and intricate cuts. Barrel grip jigsaws are preferred by many kitchen fitters and joiners who do a lot of worktop cutting. DeWalt’s DCS335N and some Bosch models offer barrel grip versions.
If you’re not sure, start with a top handle. It’s more versatile and intuitive. If you find yourself doing a lot of precise curve cutting or worktop work, consider adding a barrel grip to your kit later.
1. Makita DJV182Z — Best Overall Cordless Jigsaw
The Makita DJV182Z is a superb all-round cordless jigsaw that balances power, control, and refinement better than anything else at its price point. The brushless motor delivers up to 3,500 strokes per minute with excellent efficiency from Makita’s 18V LXT batteries. The three orbital action settings let you choose between aggressive cutting for speed and straight orbital action for cleaner, more controlled cuts in finished materials.
Cutting capacity is generous: 135mm in timber and 10mm in mild steel. The aluminium die-cast base is rigid and inspires confidence when making bevel cuts up to 45° in both directions. The tool-free blade change mechanism accepts T-shank blades with a satisfying click, and the soft-start function prevents the blade from jumping when you begin a cut — important for plunge cuts in worktops and panels where accuracy matters from the first stroke.
Vibration control is good, with the counter-balance mechanism keeping the tool stable during extended use. Two LED lights illuminate the cut line from both sides, and the dust blower keeps the pencil line visible. At around 2.4kg with a 5.0Ah battery, it’s manageable for overhead and vertical cutting without excessive fatigue.
Who it’s best for: Any tradesperson who wants a capable, reliable cordless jigsaw for mixed materials and varied tasks. Kitchen fitters, joiners, general builders, and anyone on the Makita LXT platform.
Worth knowing: The DJV182Z replaced the older DJV180Z and offers noticeably better vibration control and motor efficiency. If you’re still running the older model, the upgrade is worthwhile.
2. DeWalt DCS335N — Best for Blade Control
The DeWalt DCS335N stands out for one thing above all else: minimal blade deflection. During demanding cuts through thick timber and sheet materials, the blade stays remarkably true to the line with less wander than competing models. For tradespeople who need accurate, consistent cuts — particularly in worktop sink openings, curved cuts in thick timber, and bevel cuts where blade drift ruins the result — this is the jigsaw to choose.
The brushless motor delivers up to 3,200 SPM with a four-position orbital action that covers everything from fine scrolling cuts to aggressive ripping. The variable speed dial on the top of the tool lets you set a maximum speed, while the trigger provides proportional control within that range. The keyless shoe bevel adjusts to 45° in both directions with positive stops at common angles. Available in both top handle (DCS334N) and barrel grip (DCS335N) versions on the same 18V XR platform.
The barrel grip version is particularly impressive for worktop cutting. The lower hand position gives you intuitive control when following curved lines, and the combined effect of low blade deflection and precise speed control produces cleaner results than most competitors. If worktop cutting is a regular part of your work, the barrel grip DCS335N is the best tool for the job.
Who it’s best for: Kitchen fitters, worktop templaters, and joiners who need precise cuts with minimal blade deflection. The barrel grip version is particularly strong for worktop sink and hob cutouts.
Worth knowing: The DCS334N is the top handle version of the same tool. If you prefer a traditional grip style, you get the same blade control and motor performance in the more familiar format.
3. Milwaukee M18 FJS — Best for Raw Cutting Speed
When speed matters more than finesse, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL jigsaw is the tool that powers through. The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers 3,500 SPM with aggressive power that maintains speed under load — where other jigsaws slow down in thick hardwood or dense sheet material, the Milwaukee keeps cutting. The REDLINK intelligence system manages the motor to prevent overheating during sustained heavy use.
Five orbital action settings give you a wider range of control than most competitors, from zero orbital action for clean cuts in finished materials to maximum orbital for fast ripping through construction timber. The variable speed trigger is smooth and predictable, and the tool-free blade change accepts all standard T-shank blades. An LED light and dust blower keep the cut line visible.
The trade-off for the Milwaukee’s aggression is vibration. It’s noticeably more vibrant in hand than the Makita or the Bosch, particularly on higher orbital settings. For occasional jigsaw use this isn’t an issue, but for extended cutting sessions (multiple worktop cutouts, full days of laminate flooring) the Makita or DeWalt are more comfortable over time.
Who it’s best for: Tradespeople on the M18 platform who need a powerful, fast-cutting jigsaw. Particularly good for rough carpentry, demolition cuts, and situations where cutting speed matters more than surface finish.
4. Bosch GST 18V-155 BC — Best for Precision Work
Bosch has a long heritage in jigsaw design, and the GST 18V-155 BC represents the top of their professional cordless range. The headline feature is the 155mm cutting depth in timber — the deepest on this list and enough to handle thick worktops and doubled-up sheet materials. The brushless motor reaches 3,500 SPM, and the Bosch triple blade guidance system with three roller bearings keeps the blade stable and true during demanding cuts.
The constant electronic speed control maintains the set speed under load, which produces more consistent cut quality than tools that slow down when they hit resistance. Four orbital action settings, a variable speed dial, and a soft-start function give you precise control over every aspect of the cut. The SDS blade change system is fast and reliable, and the aluminium base plate is solid and well-machined.
Bosch’s BiTurbo 18V battery platform (ProCORE) delivers strong runtime, and the tool is compatible with the wider Bosch Professional 18V ecosystem including Fein MultiMaster tools via AMPShare. At £160–200 as a bare unit, it’s the most expensive cordless jigsaw on this list, but the precision and cutting depth justify the premium for tradespeople who demand the cleanest possible results.
Who it’s best for: Joiners, cabinet makers, and kitchen fitters who prioritise cut quality and precision above all else. The 155mm cutting depth is useful for thick worktops and doubled materials.
Worth knowing: The Bosch Professional 18V battery system is now cross-compatible with Fein via AMPShare. If you own tools from either brand, the batteries work interchangeably.
5. Makita 4350FCT — Best Corded Option
If you want the unlimited runtime and consistent power of a corded jigsaw, the Makita 4350FCT is the best option on the UK market. The 720W motor delivers up to 2,800 SPM with smooth, controllable power and low vibration. The tool-free blade change, four-stage orbital action, and adjustable speed dial cover the full range of cutting requirements, and the aluminium die-cast base is built to professional standards.
The 4350FCT ships with a dust nozzle, anti-splintering device, carry case, and a set of assorted blades — one of the most complete accessory packages of any jigsaw. The anti-splintering insert fits into the base plate and significantly reduces tear-out when cutting veneered or laminated materials face-up. At around 2.5kg, it’s lighter than most cordless jigsaws with batteries attached.
The obvious limitation is the cable. For workshop use, kitchen fitting, or any scenario where you’re working in a fixed location with mains power available, it’s not a significant compromise. For site work where you’re moving between rooms and floors, a cordless model is far more practical.
Who it’s best for: Workshop joiners, kitchen fitters with reliable mains access, and anyone who wants the consistent power and lower weight of a corded tool. Also a good choice as a backup to a cordless jigsaw for extended cutting sessions.
What to Look for in a Jigsaw
Orbital Action
Orbital action swings the blade forward on the upstroke, which increases cutting speed in wood but produces a rougher finish. All professional jigsaws offer multiple orbital settings (typically 3–5), letting you choose maximum speed for rough cuts or zero orbital for clean cuts in finished materials. A jigsaw without orbital action is significantly slower and suited only to light-duty use.
Variable Speed Control
The best jigsaws offer two layers of speed control: a dial that sets the maximum speed, and a trigger that provides proportional control within that limit. This combination lets you set the tool for the material you’re cutting (slower for metal, faster for softwood) while still having fine control through the trigger. A lock-on button is useful for extended straight cuts where holding the trigger becomes tiring.
Blade Deflection
When a jigsaw blade encounters resistance, it can flex sideways and produce a cut that’s not square through the material. This is the biggest quality issue with jigsaws and the hardest to solve. Better jigsaws use blade guide rollers, thicker base plates, and more powerful motors to minimise deflection. Using the correct blade for the material and not forcing the cut also helps significantly.
Blade Types — What to Stock
| Blade Type | Material | When to Use |
| T101B (Bosch) | Clean wood cut | General timber, MDF, plywood — your everyday blade |
| T101BR (Bosch) | Reverse-tooth wood | Cutting laminate and veneered boards face-up (reduced tear-out) |
| T101BIF (Bosch) | Hardwood / fine cut | Kitchen worktops, hardwood, precision cuts |
| T118A (Bosch) | Thin metal | Sheet metal, aluminium, thin steel |
| T118B (Bosch) | Metal | Mild steel, copper pipe, thicker metal |
| T101AO (Bosch) | Tight curves in wood | Scrolling, small radius curves, detailed shapes |
| T141HM (Bosch) | Fibre cement / Corian | Cement board, HardieBacker, solid surface materials |
Bosch T-shank blades are the industry standard and fit all the jigsaws on this list. Keep a selection of the above in your tool bag — using the right blade for the material makes a bigger difference to cut quality than any jigsaw feature. A sharp, correct blade in a budget jigsaw will outcut a worn, wrong blade in a premium tool every time.
The Verdict
For most UK tradespeople, the Makita DJV182Z is the best cordless jigsaw you can buy. It offers the best balance of power, control, vibration damping, and value, and it sits within the enormous Makita LXT ecosystem. If you’re on the DeWalt platform and do a lot of worktop or precision work, the DCS335N barrel grip is the standout choice for blade control and accuracy.
Milwaukee users get a powerful, fast-cutting tool in the M18 FJS, though it’s better suited to rough work than fine cutting. And if absolute precision and maximum cutting depth are your priorities, the Bosch GST 18V-155 BC is the most refined jigsaw on the market, albeit at a premium price.
For corded reliability, the Makita 4350FCT remains unbeaten for a workshop tool that’ll serve you for a decade or more. And regardless of which jigsaw you choose, invest in quality Bosch T-shank blades and keep a range of types in your kit. The blade makes the cut, not the jigsaw.
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